8-10 Position Jackboxes

These 10-position jackboxes provide a cost-effective way to create group-based learning centers for mobile and computer-based differentiated instruction where students can simultaneously listen to content in classrooms, libraries, and language and computer labs without disrupting others around them. They're ideally suited for literacy groups, ESL/ELL/ELD, Special Ed, reading activities, language learning and ELA applications to help meet the Common Core State Standards.

Most commonly used is a stereo jackbox, which connects with iOS and Android-based mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), laptop and desktop computers, multi or single media players (MP3 or CD). Monaural jackboxes connect with CardMaster Card readers or cassette players. Most units can even be daisy-chained to another to include even more listeners. All are built with rugged ABS plastic exteriors for durability and have silver-plated contact points for a solid jack-to-plug connections and include individual volume controls. They have rubber pads to prevent sliding and two pre-drilled holes for permanent mounting atop a desk.

The 1210T model is the first 2-way jackbox where students (wearing a Califone To Go™ headset and its single 3.5mm stereo plug) can listen to and verbally reply. This makes it ideal for use in Skype® sessions, Google® + hangouts, FaceTime® and other mobile learning applications. Voices go from the connected headsets to the jackbox and then to the attached smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop. This jackbox has a permanently attached 3' cord and ten 3.5mm jacks that are optimized for use with To Go headsets.

The JB310 and 1210AVPS jackboxes are also used to listen to distributed audio. Both have jacks for up to ten students to plug their stereo headphones into. The JB310 works with 3.5mm jacks while the 1210AVPS uses the larger ¼” jacks. The JB310 has a permanently attached 6' cord with ¼” and 3.5mm mini plugs while the 1210AVPS has a 5' cord with ¼” and 3.5mm plugs.

The 1218AVPY is ideal for monaural applications. It has individual volume controls, eight ¼” headphone jacks and a permanently attached 5' cord with ¼” and 3.5mm plugs.

1210T
MSRP $48.50
Two-way jackbox
10-position (Stereo) 3.5mm plugs that are optimized for use with To Go headsets.

“For connecting multiple headphones to computers, stereos, CD players. All you have to do is to plug the earphone into the jackbox and then plug the jackbox into your audio source. Volume controls are included on the jackbox. This device comes in handy for several students playing a video game or for a group of students working on a project on one computer.”The Gadget GirlsMedia Reviewpowertolearn.com, 9/25/03

A: Yes. The CAS1500 cassette player/recorder has one ¼” headphone jack and an additional ¼”/external speaker jack, to which the 1218AVPY monaural jackbox should be connected in order to have audio only come out of the monaural headphones connected to it. Otherwise, if connected to the first ¼” headphone jack the audio will come out of both the headphones connected to the jackbox as well as the player’s speaker.

A: Yes. The CAS1500 cassette player/recorder has one ¼” headphone jack and an additional ¼”/external speaker jack, to which the 1218AVPY monaural jackbox should be connected in order to have audio come out of the monaural headphones that are plugged directly into the jackbox. Audio will come out of all of the headphones connected to both devices but not the player’s speaker.

A: The 1218AVPY jackbox is monaural and is not compatible with laptops or desktop computers since those are stereo. The 1210AVPS is a stereo jackbox that comes with two different plugs and will function with a computer without the need for an adapter. For computer use, another jackbox that is compatible is the USB jackbox that allows up to 6 students to be on a single computer at the same time, which is ideal for podcasting and computer-based learning.

A: It is possible but not recommended. A stereo jackbox daisy-chained to a monaural jackbox that is connected to a cassette player/recorder will result in only monaural sound, one signal, being emitted by headphones plugged into both jackboxes as long as they are monaural headphones. A monaural jackbox daisy-chained to a stereo jackbox connected to a personal or multimedia player will result in stereo sound coming out of stereo headphones connected to the stereo jackbox while only monaural sound will be heard out of the monaural jackbox if monaural headphones are used. Keep in mind that if stereo, not monaural, headphones are used with a monaural jackbox, sound will only come out of one ear.

A: The 1218AVPY is an 8-position monaural jackbox that is compatible with cassette player/recorders, which are monaural-based players, and not stereo players as the sound would only come out of one earcup. A stereo jackbox should only be used for stereo sources and monaural jackbox for monaural sources. Connect a 10-position stereo jackbox to your boombox for better sound quality.

A: Yes. The 4-position, such as the 1214AVPS-01 and 6-position stereo listening centers have been expanded to accommodate more students and now include the 1210AVPS jackbox. The 8-position stereo listening center also includes a ten-position jackbox.

A: The 1214AVPY, though now discontinued, is a monaural jackbox that is best used with monaural headphones in the 2924AV series or the 3068AV switchable mono/stereo headphone as well as with cassette player/recorders. Monaural products are not compatible with stereo applications as the sound will only come out of one ear. A stereo jackbox or mini stereo jackbox is compatible with a CD player and other media players as it too is a stereo unit and provides stereo surround sound. The 2924AVPS stereo headphones can be used with this jackbox to ensure that audio comes out of both earcups. Click here to find out the differences between stereo and monaural audio equipment.

A: The Mini Stereo Jackboxes 1114 series offer 3.5mm jacks, and it includes a detachable cable with a 3.5mm plug for connecting to a media player. The regular size Stereo Jackbox 1210AVPS offers ¼” jacks and both ¼” and 3.5mm plugs. It also features an additional 3.5mm jack on the side for daisy chaining purpose, which allows you to keep all 10 jacks on each jackbox for headphones when it’s necessary to daisy chain multiple jackboxes.

A: All Califone 4-position mini stereo jackboxes and the full sized series jackboxes have 3.5mm mini plugs that can be plugged into any MP3 player with a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you want multiple students to listen to audio from a computer through a jackbox, the USB Jackbox features a USB plug (instead of a 3.5mm or 1/4" plug) to connect with a computer as well as mic ports to capture student responses.